Will William Moore Remain A Starter For The Falcons?

[falcon057]

Will William Moore Remain A Starter For The Falcons?

Thefalcoholic_tiny by Dave Choate on Sep 21, 2010 8:01 AM EDT in Editorial Comment 19 comments

William Moore, mid-flight. (AP Photo/John Amis)

In one corner, we have Erik Coleman. Signed away from the New York Jets in 2008, Coleman has been effective against the run, mediocre against the pass and generally an alright starting safety. He was signed to bridge the gap between the Bobby Petrino era and whoever our next young study safety was, and he's done that. If nothing else, we should applaud Coleman for consistently being okay.

In the other corner, there's William Moore. After missing all of 2009 with injuries, Moore was no lock to provide value in 2010. Given a Coleman injury, though, he jumped in to starting against the Cardinals, made a couple of nice tackles and picked a pass. Just add water and you've got a safety controversy.

So who starts against the Saints?

Star-divide

The answer probably depends on Coleman's health. Mike Smith did have faint praise for Moore:

"I thought for his first action, he was very, very solid."

That's not a ringing endorsement, though, and the Falcons were openly talking about not trusting Moore in the week leading up to the Cardinals game. They'd like to see him seize the role with authority—and for my money, he took a significant stride Sunday—and go with Coleman in the meantime. The stopgap option is sometimes surprisingly difficult to unseat.

Unfortunately, we won't know until near the end of the week if Coleman's healthy or not. Against the Saints' aggressive offense, I'd rather have Moore in there, because in my mind he's got much more potential against the pass. With the Saints potentially missing Reggie Bush, we're going to have a lot more to fear from the Black and Gold through the air. Moore also seems more likely to pick a pass, though I'm basing that on the smallest sample size possible.

So to answer the title of this post in the shortest way possible, Moore only remains the starter if Coleman isn't able to play. Since that's looking reasonably likely at this point, I'd brace yourselves for more C4.

Thoughts?

[nuccah]

I would play Moore without a second thought. Coleman may be a veteran, but for all that savvy he still got beat downfield in Week 1 because of his lack of talent.

While Moore may make 1 or 2 mistakes during the Saints game, he put himself in a position to make two interceptions (coming away with one) in the Cardinals game. How often have we seen Coleman put himself in those sorts of positions since his switch to SS?

[st4ngeI2]

I hope he does..he played well against a trio of tough receivers. He made a few 'rookie' mistakes...I say rookie since he missed all of last year...but the guy flys around the football and gets to the play.

[ChessPlayer1]

Let's say Colemean cant play. And the Saints pick on Willianm Moore because he's a rookie. If Moore can hold his own I think he takes the job for good.

[Dr. Billings]

Philadelphia is the model to follow in this matter. Kevin Kolb was given a contract extension, he will receive more money, per year. However, Michael Vick outplayed Kolb in the 2nd half of the Packers game and Vick led the Eagles to a victory against Detroit.

Coach Andy Reid first thought was to remain faithful to his franchise qb. He understood the sacrifice and investment (they traded McNabb in hopes of starting Kolb) the Eagles placed in their protege.

Initially Coach Reid said, Kolb was the starter end of story. Throughout the sports community everyone agreed that Vick was the best choice and should start. Philadelphia fans were screaming for Vick to start and we all know how adamant the Philly fans can be in their hysteria for the team.

Consequenty, Coach Reid under scrutiny, pressure from experts, fans, and film chose to start Michael Vick as the quarterback for the 3rd week game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He understood the implications of starting Vick. Nevertheless, the NFL stands for "Not For Long". You must put your best team on the field in order to win.

Therefore, the Falcons should start William Moore. He gives the Falcons defense another threat in the defensive backfield. Erik Coleman is a solid safety. That said, at this juncture Moore is the better player. Coleman isn't 100% healthy. Moore is ready to excel. He's by far the best player of the two, right now. The Falcons best chance for winning against the Saints is to start their best players, Moore is that player.

[ChessPlayer1]

Philadelphia is the model to follow in this matter. Kevin Kolb was given a contract extension, he will receive more money, per year. However, Michael Vick outplayed Kolb in the 2nd half of the Packers game and Vick led the Eagles to a victory against Detroit.

Coach Andy Reid first thought was to remain faithful to his franchise qb. He understood the sacrifice and investment (they traded McNabb in hopes of starting Kolb) the Eagles placed in their protege.

Initially Coach Reid said, Kolb was the starter end of story. Throughout the sports community everyone agreed that Vick was the best choice and should start. Philadelphia fans were screaming for Vick to start and we all know how adamant the Philly fans can be in their hysteria for the team.

Consequenty, Coach Reid under scrutiny, pressure from experts, fans, and film chose to start Michael Vick as the quarterback for the 3rd week game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He understood the implications of starting Vick. Nevertheless, the NFL stands for "Not For Long". You must put your best team on the field in order to win.

Therefore, the Falcons should start William Moore. He gives the Falcons defense another threat in the defensive backfield. Erik Coleman is a solid safety. That said, at this juncture Moore is the better player. Coleman isn't 100% healthy. Moore is ready to excel. He's by far the best player of the two, right now. The Falcons best chance for winning against the Saints is to start their best players, Moore is that player.

Moore will most certainly be targeted if he plays. Hope he responds well.

[meredith.freeman]

Come see William Moore and Erik Coleman battle it out. Join Atlanta Falcons’ Erik Coleman, Thomas DeCoud, William Moore, Dominique Franks, Chris Owens and more to help raise money and awareness for After-School All-Stars at STATS (300 Marietta Street NW) on Monday, October 4th. The players will serve guests from behind the bar while signing autographs and mingling with the crowd during the Patriots v Dolphins Monday Night game.

Autographed footballs, tickets to games and other sports memorabilia will be available for raffle. A portion of the proceeds from the drinks poured, 100% of any tips given to the celebrity servers, proceeds from the raffle and any additional donations received during the event will directly benefit After-School All-Stars.

[freebird310]

I just want to see him stay healthy for a little piece before we annoint him the starter. I thought he was good for his first real action, got to love the way he sticks his helmet in there and flys to the football. He looked 'fresh", LOL ....seemed to be a high energy, high motor type .

[Point_Blank]

Let's say Colemean cant play. And the Saints pick on Willianm Moore because he's a rookie. If Moore can hold his own I think he takes the job for good.

Saints would def. pick on him if we told the media he was starting. Like I said in another thread, its best we say Coleman is starting.

[gotta-get-it]

Saints would def. pick on him if we told the media he was starting. Like I said in another thread, its best we say Coleman is starting.

Wat im saying is they know coleman is a lot slower than Moore so if he's the starter they will throw at him the whole game if Moore is the starter and they test him and he fails it wouldnt be the first safety they have made look bad. But by gettimg this game experience against the world champs it would help the team more than seeing coleman gettin toasted the whole game. Start Moore he gives us the best chance to win and our defense looks so much faster when Moore is in the game PERIOD

[falcon057]

Well if we start him we would have Coleman to go to if he gets hurt or is over his head.

IMOP that would be a better situation going into the game

[madman88]

Wat im saying is they know coleman is a lot slower than Moore so if he's the starter they will throw at him the whole game if Moore is the starter and they test him and he fails it wouldnt be the first safety they have made look bad. But by gettimg this game experience against the world champs it would help the team more than seeing coleman gettin toasted the whole game. Start Moore he gives us the best chance to win and our defense looks so much faster when Moore is in the game PERIOD

plus theres no better way to test moore to see if he can handle the starting spot other then playing the champs.... cant get any better then that.... perfect test for him. let him start and see wat he can do, if he has problems, we will just put coleman in, we have seen it with our CBs.... they will bench u if u are playing bad so y not.....

[ki46dinah]

It wont matter....its far more important how our DL does to influence the passing game than whether Coleman or Moore are back there.

[falcon057]

RB Michael Turner (groin) was limited in practice Wednesday. S Erik Coleman (knee) did not participate and has not practiced since injuring his knee against Pittsburgh in Week 1. If S William Moore has another strong outing Sunday, Coleman's starting job could be in jeopardy. Falcons RapidReports

[Falcster]

Will William Moore Remain A Starter For The Falcons?

Thefalcoholic_tiny by Dave Choate on Sep 21, 2010 8:01 AM EDT in Editorial Comment 19 comments

William Moore, mid-flight. (AP Photo/John Amis)

In one corner, we have Erik Coleman. Signed away from the New York Jets in 2008, Coleman has been effective against the run, mediocre against the pass and generally an alright starting safety. He was signed to bridge the gap between the Bobby Petrino era and whoever our next young study safety was, and he's done that. If nothing else, we should applaud Coleman for consistently being okay.

William Moore is and will remain "a STUD"!!!!!!

In the other corner, there's William Moore. After missing all of 2009 with injuries, Moore was no lock to provide value in 2010. Given a Coleman injury, though, he jumped in to starting against the Cardinals, made a couple of nice tackles and picked a pass. Just add water and you've got a safety controversy.

So who starts against the Saints?

Star-divide

The answer probably depends on Coleman's health. Mike Smith did have faint praise for Moore:

"I thought for his first action, he was very, very solid."

That's not a ringing endorsement, though, and the Falcons were openly talking about not trusting Moore in the week leading up to the Cardinals game. They'd like to see him seize the role with authority—and for my money, he took a significant stride Sunday—and go with Coleman in the meantime. The stopgap option is sometimes surprisingly difficult to unseat.

Unfortunately, we won't know until near the end of the week if Coleman's healthy or not. Against the Saints' aggressive offense, I'd rather have Moore in there, because in my mind he's got much more potential against the pass. With the Saints potentially missing Reggie Bush, we're going to have a lot more to fear from the Black and Gold through the air. Moore also seems more likely to pick a pass, though I'm basing that on the smallest sample size possible.

So to answer the title of this post in the shortest way possible, Moore only remains the starter if Coleman isn't able to play. Since that's looking reasonably likely at this point, I'd brace yourselves for more C4.

Thoughts?

[Da_Truth]

I don't see why not. If we can play rookies he sure can stay on the field. Especially since he has a year under his belt now and should know what the defense is trying to do.

[hakim24]

The issue is not whether or not Moore has enough experience. My question is how much does Coleman really help our secondary?

From my memory, Drew Brees still shredded our secondary.....along with a number of other QBs. Even with Coleman's "experience" back there.

It was Moore's first game and he played very well. Just like someone else said, how many times did Coleman put himself in position to make game changing plays last year? Moore made a game changing play in his first start.

It is natural for guys to get even better as they get more comfortable. Why stop his growth when we probably won't do too much better with Coleman in there anyway?

[AtlFan80]

I hope that Moore remains the starter for the simple fact he is faster and he is more physical IMO he will hold his own but having Coleman as insurance isnt bad either TD has built a team of depth

[gotta-get-it]

The issue is not whether or not Moore has enough experience. My question is how much does Coleman really help our secondary?

From my memory, Drew Brees still shredded our secondary.....along with a number of other QBs. Even with Coleman's "experience" back there.

It was Moore's first game and he played very well. Just like someone else said, how many times did Coleman put himself in position to make game changing plays last year? Moore made a game changing play in his first start.

It is natural for guys to get even better as they get more comfortable. Why stop his growth when we probably won't do too much better with Coleman in there anyway?

Excellent points couldnt have said it better myself

[MagnusXXIII]

In 2008 Coleman was our best DB ... Playing free safety.

In 2009 the Falcons went with DeCoud and moved Coleman to strong safety where he seemed to take a step back.

With DeCould being declared Falcons defensive player of 2009. There is pressure for Moore to oust Coleman ... Who would still provide incredible depth at both safety positions.

Actually what may be complicating things is that Coleman had a strong game in the loss to the Steelers ... And experience is a factor when going against Brees.

Moore is the future though ... The Falcons hope to have stolen an elite talent in Moore in the 2nd round ... But regardless TD expects his second rounders to start ...

Just a question of timing and health.

[madman88]

In 2008 Coleman was our best DB ... Playing free safety.

In 2009 the Falcons went with DeCoud and moved Coleman to strong safety where he seemed to take a step back.

With DeCould being declared Falcons defensive player of 2009. There is pressure for Moore to oust Coleman ... Who would still provide incredible depth at both safety positions.

Actually what may be complicating things is that Coleman had a strong game in the loss to the Steelers ... And experience is a factor when going against Brees.

Moore is the future though ... The Falcons hope to have stolen an elite talent in Moore in the 2nd round ... But regardless TD expects his second rounders to start ...

Just a question of timing and health.

ok look, i dnt kno where ppl get this he moved from one spot to another, our safeties are interchangable, u kno wat that means??? they BOTH play BOTH spots depending on wat is called, so this he plaed FS in 08 is BS, go back and look him and milloy both switched up through out every game that year, thats y in the playoffs fitz got behind milloy and crisp houston for the TD, cause coleman was the SS on that play.....

Edited September 23, 2010 by madman88

[MagnusXXIII]

ok look, i dnt kno where ppl get this he moved from one spot to another, our safeties are interchangable, u kno wat that means??? they BOTH play BOTH spots depending on wat is called, so this he plaed FS in 08 is BS, go back and look him and milloy both switched up through out every game that year, thats y in the playoffs fitz got behind milloy and crisp houston for the TD, cause coleman was the SS on that play.....

I knew someone was going to mention this so I should have headed it off at the pass.

Our safeties are expected to be able to play either position as a reaction to how modern offenses can change formations. Not necessarily because either safety's responsibilities are identical on a given play.

Dimitroff and Smith use the strong and free terminology in assigning players that are predominately playing in or close to the box ... Or providing deep support.

Do you know what predominately means?

[stoned_jc7]

I would prefer have a more seasoned Vet going against that Saints Off...Nothing against Moore, I think he will be the better player. But I would hate for the ain'ts to welcome Moore to his second start by torching him.

[madman88]

I knew someone was going to mention this so I should have headed it off at the pass.

Our safeties are expected to be able to play either position as a reaction to how modern offenses can change formations. Not necessarily because either safeties responsibilities are identical on a given play.

Dimitroff and Smith use the strong and free terminology in assigning players that are predominately playing in or close to the box ... Or providing deep support.

Do you know what predominately means?

yes i do kno wat that means, but ur talking as if coleman never plays FS, every game they play he is going to line up as either the FS or SS depending on the situation, just like our OLBS, they both play each side, depending on formation and wats being called.... plus i never said our safeties responsiblities are the same, sooo wat are u talkin about....

[MagnusXXIII]

yes i do kno wat that means, but ur talking as if coleman never plays FS, every game they play he is going to line up as either the FS or SS depending on the situation, just like our OLBS, they both play each side, depending on formation and wats being called.... plus i never said our safeties responsiblities are the same, sooo wat are u talkin about....

People read too much into the "interchangeable" sound bite. The fact is all teams' safeties are interchangeable to some degree. Every teams strong safety will have to cover deep and every free safety will be asked to help stuff the run. The terminology reflects how players will most likely be positioned in base and sub packages that is most likely to play to their strengths over the course of a game.

"Before suffering his injuries, Moore was expected to compete for the starting strong safety position.

But when he suffered his first injury, Erik Coleman was moved over to strong safety and Thomas DeCoud was inserted at the free safety." - D' Led.

"Thomas Dimitroff must have known something when he selected William Moore with his second round pick last year. They had to already know that Thomas DeCoud was a favorite to take the free safety position and hoped Moore could compete for the SS . - Dawson Devitt

The terminology still has meaning.